Image credit: lkunl/123rf
What
The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of the biggest and most beautiful gardens in Tokyo. The place becomes extremely amazing in cherry blossom season when more than 1000 cherry trees show their beauty.
This green space was first developed in the Edo period as part of the property of the feudal lord, Lord Kiyonari Naito. It was completed as an imperial garden in 1906 and was later destroyed during World War II. The garden was rebuilt and designated as a National Garden after the war. It was opened to the public in 1949.
The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden occupies 58.3 hectares with a circumference of 3.5 kilometres. It features three main gardens: Japanese Traditional Garden, English Landscape Garden, and French Formal Garden.
Why
A day at Shinjuku Gyoen is a precious opportunity to relive history, to be one with nature, and to nurture the soul.
Walk where emperors once walked amid the greenery of Shinjuku Gyoen. Stroll beneath the shade of 20,000 trees and see species from around the world. Spend some quiet time at one of the ponds and escape the bustling city life. Take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at the tea house.
Go in spring to catch the cherry blossoms or in autumn for the colorful autumn foliage.
Visitor Information
The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is open on Tuesdays to Sundays at 9:00am to 2:00pm.
Admission fee is 200 yen (US$2.00) for adults and 50 yen (US$0.50) for junior high school and elementary students.
The garden can be accessed through three gates: Shinjuku, Sendagaya, and Okido. All these gates are within walking distance from bus stops and train stations.
